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Gamification on Social Media to Enhance Library Services in Kenyan Private Universities
(Journal of Science & Technology, 2025-09) Naisula, Segel Winner; Gichohi, Paul Maku; Murugi, Edith
This study examined the application of gamification strategies on social media as an innovative approach to enhance student interaction with library services at Strathmore and Riara Universities, Kenya. Guided by the Self-Determination Theory, which emphasizes competence, relatedness, and autonomy as intrinsic motivators, the study explored how game elements such as contests, quizzes, and digital badges influence engagement. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting a population of 2,100 individuals (1,800 students and 300 librarians). Stratified random sampling yielded 300 students, while purposive sampling selected 36 librarians, resulting in a final response of 255 students (85%) and 20 librarians (55.6%). Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, with reliability confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha values above 0.7. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v26 (descriptive statistics), while qualitative insights were thematically analyzed. The findings revealed that gamification significantly improved interaction with library services, with 50.6% of students reporting motivation from contests, 48.2% from digital badges, and 60% from quizzes. Despite these benefits, challenges such as limited resources, inadequate training, and access to gamification software constrained scalability. The study concludes that gamification offers a practical framework for bridging the student-library engagement gap in Kenyan private universities. It recommends investing in affordable gamification tools, training librarians in digital engagement strategies, and conducting regular audits of library social media initiatives. Adoption of such measures would enhance both the visibility and utilization of library services in resource-constrained academic environments.
The Strategic Management Practices in Academic Libraries in Kenya: The Case of USIU Library
(Library Philosophy and Practice, 2015) Gichohi, P. M
This research investigated the practices of strategic management in academic libraries. The paper is based on a study that was conducted in 2009-2010. Using USIU library as a case study, it aimed to find out the nature of shifting paradigms in information management, establish the key challenges and ascertained how strategic management was practiced. A descriptive research design was used with a sample size of 153 drawn from students, library and teaching staff. Descriptive, inferential statistics and factor analysis were used. The volatility in information industry has necessitated the application of strategic management principles in information management. This is characterized by far-reaching impacts of ICT, paradigm shifts in users’ behavior and subsequent changes in librarian’s roles with implications on library’s strategy development, implementation and evaluation. Staff welfare matters and leadership are critical in successful implementation of the desired strategy. The study concludes that strategic behavior in academic libraries is being inhibited by the leadership behavior, structures, systems, and lack of strategy supportive policies. It underscores the critical role played by library management in building competitive organization. It recommends installation of appropriate leadership models for better alignment of staff goals with those of the library. Strategic behavior should be nurtured in academic libraries through involvement of all stakeholders in strategic management process. The study further recommends need for clear communication and measures of institutionalizing library vision, mission, objective, values, and timely evaluation of performance. Librarians should play a front role in reflecting responsiveness to library’s strategic issues in their professional practice.